NAMBA October 2020 Web.pub

PROPWASH 14 October 2020 Jim Allen died suddenly on August 22, 2020. Though we never met in person, I count him as a friend. My first contact with Jim happened in the early 2000s when he sent me pictures (actual photographs) of his water brake dynamometer. I was working on a dyno with Mike Bontoft at the time so he must have heard of our efforts. As time went on we shared ideas on engine building and became friends through the internet. Jim actually built one of my spark plug ideas and added his own flavor to get a surface discharge plug. I tested his Quickdraw pipe design on my engine simulation program with good results. Jim was an old school machinist. He learned his trade in the days of log and trig tables for the accurate calculations needed to make jigs and fixtures for precision work. He had a passion for model engine design and construction. Unlike others with similar interests, he generously shared his findings. He developed a 15cc engine that produced over 7 hp and could maintain 32,000 rpm for over two minutes on his dyno. He posted detailed pictures and explanations of this engine on the internet. Later he did similar development on a 26cc rear exhaust Quickdraw. We exchanged many ideas on this since Mike and I were setting gas records with the same engine. Many others enjoyed reading about Jim’s projects online. He shared ideas with several noted engine builders including Henry Nelson, Jack O’Donnell, and Mitch Cary of Quickdraw engines. Larger engine builders admired his work on a noted two stroke forum. More recently he manufactured precision pistons and sleeves for Aero Precision racing engines. I’ve been writing a series of articles on engine building that leans heavily in Jim’s experiences. I believe his legacy will live on in the community of model racing engine builders. Below are a sample of his projects: Memories of JimAllen By Lohring Miller NAMBA Safety Chairman Quickdraw with custom carb and pipe Quickdraw .720 bore carb Carb with bell valve for Allen 90